In March this year the UK Government showed its commitment to disabilityrights by becoming one of the first countries to sign the UN Conventionon the Rights of People with Disabilities.
A crucial theme of the convention is that all those with disabilitiesare included in every aspect of society. But according to a number ofcampaigners, inclusion for many of the UK's disabled children is stillan aspiration rather than reality.
Among those calling for action is campaign group Every Disabled ChildMatters (EDCM). Despite Government commitment to the convention andrecent disability legislation, it believes more needs to be done.
A key problem, according to campaign manager Steve Broach, is: "TheGovernment is saying one thing, but it doesn't back it up withresources. And often, poor communication with frontline services meansmessages are not filtering down." The Childcare Act, for example, laysout specific duties for making places available for disabled children.But the lack of extra resources means there is still a shortage ofconvenient and affordable places.
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